Coronavirus: Austin ISD Schools To Close Through April 3

AUSTIN, TX — Austin ISD schools will close from March 23 through April 3 amid the growing new coronavirus threat, officials announced Monday.

The move was disclosed during a noon press conference. Austin ISD — the state's fifth-largest school district serving more than 81,000 students across 129 campuses — took the measure in practicing the "social distancing" recommended by health officials to mitigate potential spread of illness.

The respiratory ailment now known as COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that’s a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have sparked outbreaks in the past.

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"Austin ISD cares about the health of our students, staff and families and continues to monitor all updates to recent development concerning COVID-19," Superintendent Paul Cruz wrote in a message to the Austin ISD community found on the district's website. "In response to the developing and rapidly changing situation and in consideration of maximizing ways to further prevent the risk of exposure to COVID-19, Austin ISD will be closed for students from Monday, March 23 to Friday, April 3.

Cruz urged families to create contingency plans as students to stay home longer. The return to school will depend on developments regarding the restrictions and successful move to a remote learning model, he added. Information related to lemote learning resources will be provided to students and their families in short order, he noted.

Related story: Coronavirus: Round Rock ISD Schools To Close Through April 3

At an emergency board meeting on Friday a resolution was passed that gave the superintendent the authority to make decisions for the benefit of staff and students, he said. These measures include:

• Making sure all employees continue to be paid during closure.
• Purchasing outside the normal contract and procurement requirements to ensure schools remain safe and clean and to make necessary technology purchases to provide ongoing learning.

During the time schools are closed to students, teachers and administrators will plan and prepare for remote learning and participate in professional development in response to these changes, the superintendent said.

For children reliant on district-issued meals, Cruz assured that Austin ISD Food Services will prepare and provide food for children despite the mass closure. For the most updated list of sites, please visit www.austinisd.org/coronavirus. Each student will receive a meal pack containing breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, Cruz said

"District leaders are in daily communication with local health authorities to make decisions with the interest of our families in mind," his message continues. "Austin ISD is known for innovation and our coordinated response to provide for the continuity of education in the midst of this pandemic is no exception. I am grateful to our board, administration, teachers, staff, students and families for your understanding and flexibility during this time."

For the latest updates, visit www.austinisd.org/coronavirus.